Flashcard library · Nursing & Medicine
NCLEX: Common Lab Values
Master the essential lab values crucial for NCLEX success with this focused flashcard deck. Covering 15 high-yield laboratory tests, these cards provide normal ranges and key clinical significance to help you confidently interpret patient data. Prepare effectively for questions involving electrolyte imbalances, organ function, hematology, and coagulation studies.
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What is the normal range for serum Sodium (Na+)?
The normal range for serum sodium is 135-145 mEq/L. It is crucial for fluid balance and nerve function.
What is the normal range for serum Potassium (K+)?
The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Critical for cardiac and muscle function, imbalances can be life-threatening.
What is the normal range for serum Calcium (Ca2+)?
The normal range for total serum calcium is 8.5-10.5 mg/dL. Essential for bone health, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
What is the normal range for serum Magnesium (Mg2+)?
The normal range for serum magnesium is 1.5-2.5 mEq/L. Important for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
What is the normal range for Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)?
The normal range for BUN is 10-20 mg/dL. It reflects kidney function and protein metabolism.
What is the normal range for serum Creatinine?
The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6-1.2 mg/dL. It is a more specific indicator of kidney function than BUN.
What is the normal range for Hemoglobin (Hgb)?
The normal range for Hgb is 12-16 g/dL for females and 14-18 g/dL for males. It measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood.
What is the normal range for Hematocrit (Hct)?
The normal range for Hct is 37-47% for females and 42-52% for males. It represents the percentage of red blood cells in the blood volume.
What is the normal range for White Blood Cell (WBC) count?
The normal range for WBC count is 5,000-10,000 cells/mm³. It indicates the body's immune status and response to infection.
What is the normal range for Platelet count?
The normal range for platelet count is 150,000-400,000 cells/mm³. Platelets are essential for blood clotting and hemostasis.
What is the normal range for Fasting Blood Glucose?
The normal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-110 mg/dL. It indicates the body's glucose metabolism after an overnight fast.
What is the normal range for Glycosylated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)?
The normal range for HbA1c is below 5.7%. It reflects the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months.
What is the normal range for Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR)?
Normal PT is 11-12.5 seconds; normal INR is 0.8-1.1. These measure the extrinsic and common coagulation pathways, often used for warfarin monitoring.
What is the normal range for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT)?
The normal range for aPTT is 30-40 seconds. It measures the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways, often used for heparin monitoring.
What is the normal range for arterial blood pH?
The normal range for arterial blood pH is 7.35-7.45. It indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the blood, crucial for acid-base balance.